In front of a sold-out crowd of 400 industry and community leaders, Kevin McDonald, Alvaka Networks' Executive Vice President, accepted the 2008 Award for Excellence in Government Advocacy from the AeA Orange County/Inland Empire Council at its 15th annual High-Tech Innovation Awards on April 28, 2008. This designation, moving forward, will be known as the Kevin McDonald Excellence in Government Advocacy Award.

Senior vice president, state government affairs, AeA, Roxanne Gould, commented: "McDonald's efforts have truly bridged a long-standing gap between industry and legislators at the grassroots level". "The model he created is being replicated across the country. We only wish we could clone him! His passion for political advocacy is obvious to anyone who meets him. He is driven to accomplish impactful action not just talk about it."

Striving to achieve a position of influence to protect America's children is how McDonald has spent the past decade. An audience with some of America's most influential business, community and government leaders, was enabled to gain by his success as an executive with Alvaka Networks. He is an active officer and member of the nationally prominent boards of AeA and Web Wise Kids, where he has converted that access into positive change and even greater access.

Executive director, AeA Orange County/Inland Empire Council, Don Hicks, declared: "Kevin's expertise and absolute commitment to driving positive public policy in the tech sector and in protection of children has led to significant forward thinking and real change". "Kevin has brought a new spark to our political efforts and refocused our imperatives. His energy and strategic abilities are contagious and incredibly positive."

McDonald, as part of his efforts, travels regularly to Washington D.C. and the California state capital, where he works to help frame debates and influence key decisions on technology and child safety issues. McDonald, a tireless cyber security and Internet safety advocate, also is the author of the novel, Practically Invisible. With his mission to protect America's children and families from predators, McDonald works to balance his advocacy for the interests of the high-tech industry.